Phuket City Guide

Phuket City Guide

Visiting Phuket – A City Guide

Phuket, Thailand is ringed by more than 30 white sandy beaches, lapped by the clear waters of the Andaman Sea. But Thailand’s largest island is much more than a sun-seeker’s paradise. It also has its own rainforest, and the lively main settlement, Phuket City, has a rich cultural history.
Phuket: Layout and Top Attractions

Phuket and its resorts are best known for clean, family-friendly beaches and the warm sea, ideal for sunbathing, swimming or snorkelling. Along the coast, many bathing areas are fringed by Casuarina trees that act as natural sunshades. Inland, the island is filled with forested hills and limestone cliffs.

Most hotels in Phuket are found in popular resort towns, such as Patong and Kata, in the south and west. Beaches further to the north, including Mai Khao, are often more tranquil and laid back. Phuket City occupies the southeast corner of the island.

Redeem your IHG® Rewards Club points for a honeymoon or family vacation at a MaiKhao or Panwa Beach resort just steps away from the sea.

A world away from the bustling resorts, you can commune with nature in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, a rainforest reserve in northeast Phuket.
Eating Out in Phuket

Phuket has restaurants for every taste, serving Western and local food. Every Thai meal is freshly prepared with aromatic herbs and hot spices, and invariably delicious. You can opt for a local favorite like Pad Thai at a noodle stall or order dinner with fine wines at one of Patong’s sophisticated, air-conditioned restaurants.

Seafood, including fresh lobster and crab, is the highlight of menus at outdoor beachside restaurants in every resort. You’ll find the highest concentration in Patong, which also has a night market that’s one of the best places to sample local Thai cuisine in more informal surroundings.

For regional island specialities, try the markets and restaurants in Phuket City.
Shopping in Phuket

Shopping in Phuket means a visit to local shops and markets that sell everything from clothing and food to luxury silks and souvenirs. Popular local handicrafts include lacquerware, ceramics and items made from beachcombed seashells. Haggling in markets is expected; prices in shopping malls and department stores are fixed.

While most Phuket resorts have some shops and market stalls, you’ll find the widest choice in Patong and Phuket City. There are several shopping malls in both, including Jungceylon in Patong and Central Festival Phuket in Phuket City.
Leisure in Phuket

The island’s clear waters are perfect for beach lovers and watersports enthusiasts, with many great spots for scuba divingorsnorkelling.

Bliss, a family-friendly club on Bang Tao Beach, features DJs, live music and a convenient play area for children. TrendyRE KÁ TA, a club and restaurant on Kata Beach, serves freshly prepared, preservative-free food and plays some of the island’s best music.

For a break from the beach, make a day trip to Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. You can marvel at the beauty of Ton Sai and Bang Pae waterfalls, or challenge yourself by hiking an eight-kilometre rainforest trail.

Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong Beach Central

Everything from the reservation to check in to check out was organised very well, including the late-evening transfer arrangements from the airport to the hotel. In particular, the Reservations[More] Manager went out of her way right from the start to ensure a pleasant and comfortable stay for my wife and myself.
At every stage, due consideration was given to my IHG Spire Ambassador status in allocation of the very nice sea view terrace room and other benefits.
The hotel is in a fairly isolated, resort location (which the hotel actually highlights), but this is great for relaxing and just getting away from it all. For visitors seeking more action, Phuket Town, FantaSea show (highly recommended) and other entertainment is within 30 to 45 minutes by taxi.[Less]

Great wiev but always humid even with air conditioning

By Medi

Mr.Moo and Italian restaurant staff were great.Very helpfull and friendly[Less]

My experience!

By ch1900

Great experience! Nice staff! Clean Room! Would recommend![Less]

Fantastic beach holiday

By Serene

The beach and the kids rooms are awesome. The beach is clean and less crowded. We spend at least 4 hours every morning.
The suite room is big and comfort.
The children having hard time to decide[More] whether to have fun in the pool or kids club or stay in the room.
Breakfast spread is good.[Less]

CECe

By Cece

Excelente service. Good location if you are planning only on relaxing.[Less]

Stay in Phuket

By JohnM

Incredible Resort in a fantastic area of Phuket! Modern property, with a beautiful infinity pool overlooking an extensive beachfront. Went on a bike tour as well while there which was a lot of fun[More] and educational. Highly recommend this resort to all.[Less]

Great location and price

By Shell

We arrived at the hotel well after midnight. Smooth checkin. And good security. Rooms were in block one, a bit of noise coming through from the bar next door. We were originally booked for just one[More] night but decided to extend our stay to 5 nights. Location is good,near the beach and short taxi ride to Jungceloyn shopping mall and Bangla Road, You could walk 15-20 minutes. Lots of shops near hotel and food market.
We had 3 rooms, very clean. Water replenished daily. Bathrobe and slippers included. Good wifi connection throughout property. We did not use pool as we were out all day exploring Phuket. Breakfast was basic and boring. Scrambled eggs, porridge, vegetable fried ried rice, lettuce, raw tomato, cucumber. Like who eats rice in the morning. Good selection of fruits and juices.
When we decided to extend our stay we had to check out of the first rooms. Unfortunately I forgot my shower gel in the shower, the next day the maid said she had not seen it. I was annoyed as I react to other shower products. The hotel tried to find Bath and Bodyworks, the nearest was Bangkok. As compensation the hotel offered free transport to the airport which was very generous.
On the last day I purchased tokens for the washer and drier. The washer did not wring the clothes, they were dripping wet. The drier did not dry them either. This problem was experienced by other guests too. Reception gave me another token for the drier, clothes still damp. This is now gone midnight. Engeneers called to fix machine. I left my clothes with the receptionist and they were delivered dry at 6 in the morning in time to leave for the airport.
All in all good value hotel, would stay again.[Less]

Great location and sizable room

By The Travellers

This hotel is in a great location, with it being a few minutes walk away from the beach and very accessible to the 'hustle and bustle' of Patong central where the main shopping mall is located and,[More] of course the infamous bars on Bangla Road.
There is also a 7-Eleven store virtually on the door step of the hotel where one can buy almost anything from sun cream to the odd can of beer!
This is also believed to be the only Holiday Inn Express with a swimming pool and a paddling pool for children in the middle of a lush garden area.
The double room we stayed in was of a fair size comparing it with other HI Express hotels, and it had the added convenience of a safe and a fridge. The bathroom also had a walk-in shower.
The only 'cripes', as it were, was the breakfast choice, which was identical every morning in the seven days that we stayed - but then again it was said to be complimentary, so no grumbles there.
All in all it was a very comfortable and relaxing hotel to stay in, considering the affordable prices that we paid. We would truly recommend it to anyone looking to stay fairly central in Patong but without the 'noises' during the small hours.....[Less]

Great Stay

By Baniboy

Had a great stay and all walking distance locations for our necessities.[Less]

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